Tea for two

The rain has been on and off for the last two weeks or so. We are only in the second month of winter; it gets a little sharp in the morning and mild during the day. The rain brought some freshness to the air, though it's dark and gloomy. Our veggie garden is looking rather drenched and droopy, too much moisture seemingly making them dreary. The roses struggle to keep upright, their buds soaked and weary, desperately awaiting sunshine to come their way. Rain, rain, you are lovely; your overwhelming generosity caused the bulbs and seeds to come out of their dormancy, but please, please if you can give Mr Sun a chance to sprinkle its rays!

Probably, like many of you, I'm also a trigger-happy kind of person. I take photos of almost anything and everything. Since there's not much happening in our garden at the moment, I'm mainly staying indoors to keep warm and spending some QT with my dear sweet hubby and savour a cup or two. Looking back down memory lane of our summer and spring garden, I thought I might share some archived photos to brighten this not so promising weather here down under (at least in Sydney)!

Hope you are all having a good week.


I'm joining Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday

http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/

Man's Best friend

No matter how the day has been for him, he’s always happy to welcome me home.  I admire his carefree-life, not worried about the past or the future. He lives in the moment:  the present life. Taking him for a long lazy-walk is the best part of the day for him.  He appreciates everything around him, sniffing every post, every single bush; leaving marks on every single tree. I can see the feeling of elation envelopes him, his loyalty is irrevocable. That’s my dog: truly a man’s best friend!

Junior-he's a mixed breed of Staffordshire and Labrador.

Another lazy day


Pets have long been considered an important part of the family.  In fact Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world.  For many people, pets are a valuable source of love and friendship.  It is known that pets can actually make us physically and mentally healthier. The presence of our pet helps us relax and lifts our spirits. Research shows that pet owners are generally happy, less depressed, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol and associate better with others. Studies reveal that looking at a pet helps relieve stress and anxiety.

Having Junior around gives me that extra security especially when I'm alone at night. He's a good watch dog, he gives us a warning when he see some strange movement around the courtyard. He has that vicious look on his face even though he can be the gentlest dog. He's got the tendency to dominate people, when he feels like it. But he goes ballistic at the sound of fireworks, thunder and lighting. I think all dogs do.







 

                                                        Bringing a little sunshine indoors.

                                       
                                                           I could do with vitamin C and some anti-oxidants
                                                 

                                                                 A bunch of ranunculus

 

This week I'm joining Sandi of Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday

http://www.rosechintzcottage.com/

Finders keepers

Frazzled, frenzied, run-down, mentally and physically drained, are a few of the ways I've been feeling this week. Sometimes I feel like my job is taking over my whole life. I don't work to live but live to work.
My dream of one day escaping the rat race for a tree change life, is still on the table. When opportunity comes along like public holidays I tend to drag my dear hubby for a quick getaway not only for a change of scenery but also to scour for a bargain.

As I mentioned on my last post, I will share with you my treasure finds from the last Queen's birthday long weekend.
Below is the collection of my flea market, garage sale and op shop finds. 
The blue vase is one of my garage sale collection of a Polish Pottery.  And the white tea pot is also an op shop find ( Vinnies ) in Braidwood.

These roses are probably the last ones before I start pruning them

My hurricane lamp with the shells I collected from our walks on the beach

I bought these lace scarves from one of the gift shops in Southern Highlands

The mis-match cups and saucers are from Kangaroo Valley market.

I found this Robert Gordon ginger jar from Vinnies (St Vincent De Paul) in Mittagong.

Beautiful cottage in Milton. I love the way the lavender thrives at the front of the house, it's a nice welcome to all visitors.

I was intrigued by this house, I've never seen so many garden ornaments in such a tiny courtyard.

At first, I thought everything was for sale but I thought wrong  (:

Some of the winter blooms; nasturtiums, cape angels, African daisies, sweetpeas and geraniums

Having a quiet afternoon, indulging on a slice of apple and rhubarb cake with mixed berries tea.

This week I'm joining Sandi @ Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time
and Kathryn of The Dedicated House for Make it Pretty Monday

A cuppa with a Kanga.

The Queen's Birthday is the second last public holiday we have this year.  And to take advantage of the long weekend, we packed our camping gear and headed to the South Coast for a quick revive-survive-breather. Our destination was located in the middle of a National Park, 5 hours drive South of Sydney and set in an idyllic location, surrounded by  towering gum trees, tree ferns, cabbage palms and abundant wildlife.

We slept under a starry night, the sound of rustling gum trees, waves gently lapping on the shores, and the occasional screeching of native nocturnal mammals sheltered in the surrounding bush. 

On our way down to the South Coast, we stopped at a couple of country town markets. My persistence in finding something old and chippy paid off when I found some old English tea cups; these will be my topic on my next post.

We just love being outdoors and enjoying the pristine bushland and coastline

Our morning walks along the beach proved to be the most delightful

These Eastern grey kangaroos love grazing along the sandy beach

 They don't mind being photographed too

I made sure that I didn't go home empty handed. These are my finds: cuttle fish for our budgies, sponge, shells for my mason jars and a couple of pieces of pumice.

Cliff-face

Black oystercatcher

The spectacular view of Depot Beach

The rainforest walk is a must when staying in this national park

Kookaburra sits on an old gum tree, laugh Kookaburra laugh, Kookaburra gay your life must be

Couple of visitors joined us for brekkie....